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Master project on perceptions and ethical reflections

We are looking for a master student that would like to work within the topic: Swedish consumers’ perception and ethical reflection regarding insects as food. Contact supervisor Helena Röcklinsberg (Helena.Rocklinsberg@slu.se)

Insects are consumed in many parts of the world, but are rather part of a new cuisine in Sweden and northern Europe. In contrast to many European countries it is not allowed to produce food based on insects in Sweden. However, legal changes may lie ahead and within the Formas project “Eating crickets – an appetizing solution for today’s global problems” we are interested in investigating Swedish consumers’ ethical arguments regarding consumption of traditional livestock vs insects and attitudes to the use of livestock to provide ecosystem services. We envisage an interview study focussing on the following issues: How is eating insects perceived among Swedish consumers? Do they perceive a difference between eating insects as an ingredient (in e.g. a protein bar) or the whole insect (e.g.as a grilled snack)? What do meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans think respectively about eating insects? What arguments beyond taste and yack factor are used in approving or disapproving of farming insects for food – are informants referring to sustainability, biodiversity, climate or animal welfare? Are the same or other arguments used with regard to eating meat from ruminants, pigs and poultry?

Method: interviews with citizens/consumers, followed by a content analysis and ethical elaboration.

Time frame: Spring semester 2019 (earlier or later after agreement with supervisor)